Doing his part in search of a cure

When Lemont grandfather Ken Emerson found out his 4-year-old grandson was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, he knew he had to do something. He figured he would do what he does best — play golf.

On May 21, the Lemont man will host the “Tee off with the Drive to Cure SMA in Honor of Ryan” in Lemont to benefit young Ryan Manfre, who was diagnosed with SMA when he was just 1 year old. The rare disease has inspired Emerson to use his hobby to find a cure.

“I am interested in helping to raise money for research,” Emerson said. “It’s just as important to bring awareness to this disease to the world because I feel strongly about it.”